Moth and Spark

by Anne Leonard

[kimbacaffeinate]

Leonard told the tale using dual POV’s, and it was brilliantly done. Unlike, high fantasy, the secondary characters were kept at a minimum. Some were fleshed out and others just enough for us to understand their role in the story that unfolds. Tam and Corin were wonderful as our hero and heroine. Both are young but share a love of knowledge and logic. They played off each others strengths and trusted in each other. All of this made their friendship and romance feel genuine. Their relationship developed quickly, but since she is a commoner and he a Prince both go into the relationship aware of its limitations. War, dragons and quests kept the flames burning but Leonard allowed them to develop a relationship beyond attraction and lust. The King and Queen were wonderful both as leaders and parents. Those attending the Summer Court added interest, conflict and humor to the tale. Corin’s security team and the wizard community added substance without pulling us away from our couple.

I love fantasy, and forbidden or impossible romances and Moth and Spark delivered. The countryside, dragons, court and castle, came to life in panoramic detail without slowing the pace. While there is a war, alliances, magic and quests our couple remain at the center of the plot. I adored both Tam and Corin as they worked together. They reminded me of Claire and Jamie from Outlander. Leonard’s description of the Dragons and their riders left me breathless. Communication between beast and man was beautiful, and I shall forever dream of flying. The world-building regarding the quest and war was well done and kept the tale light. The front of the book contains a map which further helped me see the fields, mountains and forests. For me, this was the type of novel that I didn’t want to end, EVER. I was disappointed that this doesn’t appear to be a series or trilogy. The climax and ending were beautifully render, and threads tied up but, and this is a minor but; I felt it was a tad rushed. For me at least this book could have handled another two hundred pages.

Fans of Austen, Outlander and romantic fantasy will find magic within the pages of Moth and Spark. Oh and there are Dragons! I want more, plain and simple and look forward to Anne Leonard’s next novel.

Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer